Chelsea center-half Antonio Rudiger was battered by the football media after his shocking display in Germany and Netherlands’ 1-1 draw on Wednesday.
Hansi Flick’s side was on an eight-match winning streak across World Cup qualifiers and international friendlies. But Germany was held back to a draw by Louis van Gaal’s side on Wednesday. Thomas Muller handed the visiting side the lead in the extra time of the first half. But the hosts came back with Spurs’ winger Steven Bergwijn leveling the game in the 68th minute. Germany dominated possession in the entire game, but could not make their dominance on the ball count. Hansi Flick’s side now face Italy in the UEFA Nations League on 5th July.
Steven Bergwijn’s goal particulate highlighted Antonio Rudiger’s shortcoming in the game. The German defender partnered with Nico Schlotterbeck at center-half. This was just the second international cap for the 22-year-old defender. While Antonio Rudiger was making his 50th appearance for the Germany national team.
Antonio Rudiger has once again been ever consistent and on top form in Thomas Tuchel’s side this term. The center-half has recorded 43 appearances across all competitions this term. In this time he has recorded an impressive three goals and four assists from centre-half. (stats via Transfermarkt)
But the German defender looked uncomfortable in the whole game. Rudiger seemed to struggle to play in a back four rather than his usual left-sided centre-half position in Chelsea’s back five. He got all the blame for the Holland equalizer.
Antonio Rudiger highly criticised by the media
SPORT1 wrote about Antonio Rudiger and Germany’s display in the 1-1 draw against Holand. They wrote:
“Celebrated his DFB anniversary with the 50th international match and had the shop under control for a long time,”
“However, he let Malen rush once (35’/shot to the side netting) and was also too far away from Bergwijn when conceding a goal in the 68th minute.
While Get German Football News gave the centre half credits for a decent first half. But the center-half got a 6/10 score for the game. They wrote:
“By far the most experienced German defender out there tonight, Rüdiger led his side well in the first period.”
“However, he got pulled completely out of position for the Netherlands goal.”
“Rüdiger and Germany’s defenders did struggle to keep the Netherlands at arm’s length after that. There’s clearly a weak spot in Germany’s backline.”
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